Reports in Holland this morning have claimed that Van Gaal has reached an agreement with United to replace David Moyes, who was sacked on Tuesday morning following a 10-month stint in charge.

Should that be confirmed, Van Gaal will opt for Kluivert as his assistant, with goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek and physio Jos van Dijk also joining the 62-year-old at Old Trafford, according to De Telegraaf.

As a player, Kluivert played under Van Gaal's management at Ajax and Barcelona, as well as being part of his coaching team with the Dutch national side.

The 37-year-old, who was Holland's leading goalscorer of all time until he was surpassed by United striker Robin van Persie last year, has also turned out for AC Milan, Newcastle United, PSV Eindhoven and Lille.